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Cayley - flights

In 1853, the coachman employed by Sir George Cayley took off on Brompton Dale for the world's first controlled flight. It would have only lasted a few seconds, but is seen as being of great historical significance. Cayley is regarded by many as the true inventor of the aeroplane.



The actual configuration of the 'New Flyer' as Cayley called it is not known. It could have had a double or even treble wing, as with the 1849 'Boy Carrier', but is most likely to have followed the design of the 1852 'Governable Parachute'.
See: Wing detail or QTVR.


A flight simulation to see if you can control the 'New Flyer' any better than the coachman did. Remember that a 'tiller' control arm will reverse all your movements!